Canon LP-E4 battery replacement for 1D Mk IV (1 Viewer)

gmax

Sontium Dweller

• Mar 10, 2016

• #1

Hello everybody,
I need to to get a spare battery as a replacement for the original Canon LP-E4 battery.

I've used third-party batteries in the past with almost any camera I got, including the 1D MkIIN, but now, after browsing the internet and reading about issues with third-party batteries, I'm rather confused and would like to know what other 1D MkIV users have done so far and with which results.

Thank you very much.

 

Chris B.

Well-known member

• Mar 10, 2016

• #2

I've used a variety of batteries over the years but keep coming back to the Canon ones 'cause they are the most stable. But the caveat of course is that they are expensive...

Since the LP-E4 is no longer manufactured, you'll have to get the LP-E4N. I'm getting about 1900 shots on my 1D4(s) and there's still about 20% capacity.

 

gmax

Sontium Dweller

• Mar 10, 2016

• #3

Thank you Chris for your reply.
Did you experience problems while charging the new -N batteries with the old charger or you are using a new charger as well?

 

J

johnf3f

johnf3f

• Mar 10, 2016

• #4

gmax said:

Thank you Chris for your reply.
Did you experience problems while charging the new -N batteries with the old charger or you are using a new charger as well?

Click to expand...

When I briefly ran the 1D4 and 1DX alongside each other I found the batteries and chargers to be interchangeable despite Canon's claims that the LP-E4n wouldn't fully charge on the LC-E4.

When I needed a spare battery I bought a couple of VHBW brand ones. They have less capacity and the 1DX does not recognise them (I think the 1D4 does) - but who cares they were 1/10th the price! They work and charge just fine for me!

 

Last edited: Mar 10, 2016

gmax

Sontium Dweller

• Mar 11, 2016

• #5

Thank you John.
Glad to hear about your positive experience with both interchangeable chargers and offbrand batteries, it looks promising.
I got scared by stories like the following one
https://www.naturescapes.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=241152

Here is some explanation on old and new batteries, http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2013/lp-e4n_battery_pack.shtml but still looking for real life experience from 1D 4 users

 

Last edited: Mar 11, 2016

D

Dave Williams

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2016

• #6

I bought a Hahnel HL-E4 Battery for my 1D4 and when I sold the camera I kept it for use with my 1DX. You get the message that it can't communicate with the camera when you switch on the camera but the only thing that doesn't work is the charge level indicator which does't matter to me. I have never really thought about performance because I haven't noticed a difference in any of the three 1D batteries I have owned.
The Hahnel is priced at £99 at WEX compared to £129 for the LP-E4n. There is one customer revue which is negative but personally I have nothing but praise to sing for mine.

 

gmax

Sontium Dweller

• Mar 11, 2016

• #7

Thank you Dave.
Just a question: did this battery communicate with your 1D4 camera?

 

D

Dave Williams

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2016

• #8

gmax said:

Thank you Dave.
Just a question: did this battery communicate with your 1D4 camera?

Click to expand...

Strangely I think it did! I bought a 5d3 later and decided on another Hahnel,albeit different size one, for that body and the camera couldn't, no wouldn't communicate but again , I'm not bothered. It's a decision that Canon must have made to try and sell more of their horrendously expensive accessories.Strangely though the Canon branded battery chargers for each size battery indicate when both types are fully charged!

 

J

john britten

Well-known member

• Mar 11, 2016

• #9

I have a Energizer CA-LPE4 battery as a back up to go with the Canon LP-E4, this charges well and communicates with by 1D mk 1V you don't get the length of use from this but not a lot of difference. This battery will recalibrate on the 1D4 charger.

Hope this is some help

John

 

gmax

Sontium Dweller

• Mar 11, 2016

• #10

john britten said:

I have a Energizer CA-LPE4 battery as a back up to go with the Canon LP-E4, this charges well and communicates with by 1D mk 1V you don't get the length of use from this but not a lot of difference. This battery will recalibrate on the 1D4 charger.

Hope this is some help

John

Click to expand...

Thank you John.
Length of use is not a major concern - I do not expect a third party battery to be on par with a genuine pack, as long as it works properly and do not fall dead after a short time ...

 

Chris B.

Well-known member

• Mar 13, 2016

• #11

gmax said:

Thank you Chris for your reply.
Did you experience problems while charging the new -N batteries with the old charger or you are using a new charger as well?

Click to expand...

Sorry to be late in getting back to you... I don't monitor BirdForum as often as other sites... I've had zero issues with the "N" battery on the old charger.